Line surge arresters

for increased system reliability

www.siemens.com/energy/arrester

Answers for energy.

System reliability and better performance
Improve the Reliability is increasingly There are basically three options for
performance of your important improving network protection:
Around the world, the growing de­
transmission system mand for power has resulted in the
Expansion of network capacities
need for existing networks to handle Installation of additional ground wires
ever-greater capacities, sometimes
Use of surge arresters on hazardous
even reaching their upper limits.
stretches of line
Due to these factors, it is becoming
increas­ingly difficult to responsibly Attempts to expand network capacities
and reliably operate a network. often fail during the approval process as
frequently as they are rejected for cost
In many markets, there is already a risk
reasons, particularly in densely populated
of liability for network operators, who
or undeveloped areas.
are liable for compensation in the case
of power failures. And natural events
Even the use of compact lines is not very
like light­ning can cripple entire net­
helpful, because their reduced conductor
works. That’s why many network
spacing leads to serious problems in the
operators are seeking solutions that
case of lightning strikes. One alternative
can help them increase the reliability
is to equip hazardous sections with addi­
of their networks. Expansion, retro­
tional ground wires wherever ground
fitting, and protection – for greater
resistance is especially high. This usually
reliability.
results in significant problems and costs
in high lightning areas such as mountains
and plateaus.

2
A more affordable solution is the use
of surge arresters, which can be used
to respond in a graduated fashion to
the potential hazard. The graphic on
page 5 shows how the frequency of
faults associated with lightning strikes
decrea­ses, depending on the ground
resistance, when adding more surge
arresters to protect the transmission
line and therefore the connected
systems.
Surge arresters are easy to transport
and install even in difficult terrain. Along
with a special installation kit, surge
arresters help create a perfect system.
And Siemens offers more. By working
closely with an experienced power-line
installer, Siemens provides the best
possible results for all your applica­tions –
from system design to the final
installation.

3
Simulation

Take advantage An optimal selection of line surge arrest-
of the benefits ers, especially in terms of their quantity
and installation locations, can have a
for applications significant impact on a system’s long-term
up to 800 kV success.
The installation of line surge arresters on
every tower along the entire line as well
as on every single phase ensures com-
plete lightning protection.
Siemens optionally offers software analy-
sis (simulation) based on Cigré studies to
examine and conduct preliminary tests of
customer-specific applications as a way of
determining the optimal, cost-effective
solution. With this approach, the customer
only needs to equip particular phases or
individual line segments with line surge
arresters, and can still ensure sufficient
lightning protection of the overhead line
and reduce network failures.
One particular benefit of this approach is
that outstanding results can be achieved
while investing only a fraction of the
amount that would otherwise be required
to install the maximum amount of equip-
ment.
In the first phase of an analysis, all im-
portant parameters of the transmission
line under study are entered into the
simulation software, and the installations
to be examined are selected. This approach
takes the following factors into consider-
ation:
Line parameters: operating voltage,
number of three-phase circuits, ground
wire data, length, span length and sag
of the line, conductor type, diameter,
and clearances
Tower data: tower surge impedances
and footing resistance, tower geome-
try (position and distances of the indi-
vidual phases and any existing ground
wires), as well as soil impedance
Insulator data: arcing distance, connec-
tion length, rated lightning impulse
withstand voltage
Lightning activity: ground flash density
(lightning strokes per year and km²)
or keraunic level (thunderstorm days
per year)
Customer priorities: fewer short inter-
ruptions, prevention of phase and
multisystem short circuits, elimination
of ground wires
The software individually simulates up
to eight different installation cases re-
garding positions of the line surge arrest-
ers in the phases to be protected in order
to determine the most effective configu-
ration. In addition, the software divides
the line into segments (depending on the
line topology or distribution of the tower
footing resistances along the line) and
varies the installation of the line surge ar-
resters depending on the number of tow-
ers to be equipped.
After the simulation runs, a second phase
of the analysis evaluates all the data. In a
third phase, proposals are developed for
an optimal solution.
These proposals are offered in consulta-
tion with the customer in order to jointly
arrive at the best equipment strategy.

4
 The easy path to a customer solution:

Analyze the specific line characteristics

Electric line parameters
Geometric line parameters
Ground flash density or keraunic level (strokes/km²/year or
thunder days/year)
Tower footing resistance
Amount of real network faults caused by lightning

Proposals from Siemens

Arrester type
Advice regarding optimum protection strategy (including number
of towers to be protected, selection of phases)

Installation

Analysis example of a double three-phase system

Faults per
100 km and
per year

Tower profile

L1 L4

L2 L5

L3 L6 Tower footing resistance [Ω]

1
LSA: Line Surge Arrester

5
Security for your transport network
Superior technology for The best technology for your security
optimal protection Arresters are designed to divert harmful
overvoltages in order to keep them away
from the components of a transmission
network. These overvoltages can be
caused either by lightning strokes termi-
nating directly to or nearby the overhead
power line, or they may be generated by
switching operations.
The operation of surge arresters is based
on the property of certain metal-oxide
blocks which reduce their own resistance
within nanoseconds in case of overvolt-
age, making it possible to safely clamp
down the overvoltage. In normal operat-
ing line conditions, when there is no
overvoltage, the higher resistance of the
metal-oxide blocks (MO blocks) in the
arresters causes them to act as insulators.
There is a basic distinction between ar-
resters with porcelain housings and those
with silicone housings. Compared to the
considerably heavier and more brittle por-
celain housings, silicone housings offer
significant benefits when it comes to in-
stallation and operation. Silicone is not
only flexible and weather-resistant, it also
retains its hydrophobic ability to repel dirt
and water throughout its entire lifetime.
Thanks to these properties, leakage cur-
rents do not pose any problem – and the
arresters are better protected against
physical damage and vandalism.
When it comes to investing in the reliabil-
ity and security of your transmission
lines, you are absolutely right to demand
6
the highest level of performance. That is
why we offer our arresters for voltages
up to 550 kV in a Cage Design™ and in a
Siemens tube design for higher voltages
up to 800 kV. What these two designs
have in common is the vulcanized sili-
cone rubber housing, which effectively
protects against air pockets, moisture
penetration, and leakage currents.
The Siemens Cage Design
The Cage Design from Siemens offers nu-
merous advantages in terms of arrester
technology, resulting in a big payoff for
customers. For example, the benefits in-
clude the Cage Design’s high mechanical
stability coupled with low weight. This is
achieved by integrating eight fiberglass-
reinforced plastic rods that prevent inte-
rior parts from being ejected during an
overvoltage. The design eliminates an
enclosed interior space, which not only
saves material, it also precludes the need
for an overpressure relief device.
The fact that the silicone housing is vul-
canized directly onto the active compo-
nent is another significant advantage.
Thanks to their high level of security,
easy installation, mechanical rugged-
ness, and low weight, Cage Design ar-
resters are recommended for any areas
where installation is more complex due
to particular factors; for example, in
areas with difficult terrain.
In these situations, customers can rely
on the performance of Cage Design ar-
resters because they are one of the first
arrester series in the world to pass pres- Design comparison and electrical properties of the
sure-release testing in compliance with line surge arrester series from Siemens
the new IEC 60099-4 Ed. 2.2 standard.
Ideal for line surge arresters
With their highly efficient combination of MOV blocks
weight, strength, and security features, FRP support structure
(FRP rods)
Siemens Cage Design arresters are ideal
for use as line surge arresters. The table FRP tube
on this page provides an overview of the Silicone housing
standard series from Siemens and their Metal fittings
most important electrical properties.
Arresters with the competing wrap design
have an EPDM or silicone rubber housing
that can create air pockets and cause
dangerous partial discharges. In addition,
EPDM loses its ability to repel water and
dirt after being exposed to UV radiation
for a short period of time.
Tube design Cage Design Wrap design
In competing wrap design arresters, the
metal-oxide blocks are wrapped with fi-
berglass mats impregnated with epoxy,
Maximum values 3EL5 3EL1 3EL2 3EL2 3EL2 3EL2
which results in inferior mechanical
strength. The flammability of epoxy resin Highest voltage for equipment Um kV 145 362 362 420 420 550
during an overvoltage is yet another con- Maximum rated voltage Ur kV 144 288 288 360 360 468
cern against wrap design arresters: the Nominal discharge current kA 10 10 10 10 10 20
silicone rubber used in Siemens arresters
Lightning impulse classifying current kA – 10 – 10 – 15
is self-extinguishing.
Maximum line-discharge class 2 2 2 3 3 4
The tube design from Siemens can be Maximum energy absorption capability kJ/kVr 4.4 5 5 8 8 10
used for special requirements. For exam- Maximum thermal energy absorption kJ/kVMCOV – 6.3 – 10 – 12.5
ple, in applications with very high re-
Maximum long duration current impulse A 550 750 1,100 1,100 1,200 1,200
quirements for energy absorption capaci-
Rated short circuit current kA 20 65 65 65 65 65
ty (to limit switching overvoltages) and
for special mechanical duties. Maximum specified short-term load SSL 1
kNm 0.5 1.2 4 4 4 4

Maximum design cantilever load-static MDCL2 lbf x inch 3,098 7,435 24,782 24,782 24,782 24,782

1
According to IEC 60099-4, Ed. 2.0, 02/2009
2
According to IEEE Std. C62.11, 2005

7
Non-gapped line arresters (NGLA)

Non-gapped line surge arresters (NGLA)

offer a high degree of mounting flexi­bility
and operational reliability. Depending on
the tower design and the arrangement of
insulators and lines, these arrest­­ers can ei-
ther be installed directly on the insulators
or on the tower.
Thanks to their high energy absorption
capacity, non-gapped line arresters offer
a very high level of protection against
overvoltages caused by lightning and
network-generated switching impulse
current overvoltages.
To galvanically isolate the line surge ar-
rester from the line voltage in the unlike-
ly event of a fault or thermal overload, a
disconnector is installed in series. It auto-
matically and immediately disconnects
the line surge arrester from the line volt-
Mounting on a Mounting on an Mounting on an insulator age. This allows the affected overhead line
line wire overhead line tower to continue to be used until replacement
can be scheduled.
In addition to the line surge arresters, the
new ACM advanced monitoring system can
be installed to provide arrester condition
monitoring. This system monitors wireless-
ly and provides detailed information about
leakage currents and converted energy.

8
Attachment options for mounting on a phase conductor

Simple hot-line clamp Suspension clamp Suspension clamp 2-bundle Suspension clamp 3-bundle

Attachment options for mounting on an overhead line tower Disconnector

Flexible tower mount Fixed tower mount Flexible tower mount with Standing on a Disconnector with
monitoring system (ACM) tower arm patented tension-relief
device

9
Externally gapped line arresters (EGLA)

Siemens EGLA line surge arresters have of the EGLA, from the system voltage in
an external spark gap placed in series that normal operating conditions.
galvanically isolates the active part of the
Depending on the topology of the over-
line surge arrester from the line voltage
head line ‒ for example, the arrangement
under normal conditions. In case of light-
of towers and insulators, the attachment
ning, the spark gap is ignited and the
options, and the line voltage ‒ an EGLA
dangerous overvoltage is safely dis-
line surge arrester can either be attached
charged through the resulting arc. The
directly in parallel on the suspension/
active component limits the subsequent
tension insulators, on the insulator string,
current to ensure that the arc is extin-
or on the tower cross-arm. The active
guished within the first half-cycle of
component can have either one or two
the operating power-frequency voltage.
bodies depending on the system voltage
After this, the line surge arrester immedi-
level required.
ately returns to standby condition. In this
manner, the EGLA line surge arrester pre- The compact design of the EGLA allows in-
vents all insulator flashovers that would stallation and lightning protection even on
otherwise lead to short interruptions and existing towers with very small clearances.
failures in the power network. EGLA in-
Siemens EGLA line surge arresters are
creases network stability as well as the
available to protect overhead lines with
availability of the overhead line.
system voltages of up to 550 kV.
An additional benefit of EGLA line surge
All Siemens EGLAs are designed and tested
arresters is that there is no leakage cur-
to comply with the latest IEC 60099-8
rent, because the series gap disconnects
standard, which became effective in
the MO blocks, which are the active part
January 2011.

10
Mounting options

Mounted directly on a silicone long-rod insulator Mounted directly on a porcelain Mounted on a tower cross-arm
(Siemens type 3FL) string insulator

Testing

Type test on a 144-kV EGLA line surge arrester Type test on a 400-kV EGLA line surge arrester

11
Selected project references

1 115-kV transmission lines, North East

Utilities, CT, U.S., 2007, 2009, 2010
Main problem: lightning frequency, network stability
Location and climate: continental to subtropical,
hurricane season, frequently thunderstorms in
summer
Lightning frequency: very high, < 30 lightning
strikes/km²/year

2 115-kV transmission lines, Rio Grande 8

Electric Coop, TX, U.S., 2010 1
Main problem: lightning frequency, network stability 7
Location and climate: subtropical to tropical,
six-month hurricane season every year 2

Lightning frequency: very high, < 30 lightning

strikes/km²/year 3

3 245-kV, 420-kV CFE transmission lines,

Mexico
Main problem: lightning frequency,
4
network stability
Location and climate: high mountains,
up to 3,000 meters above sea level,
alpine climate 5
Lightning frequency: high, < 10 lightning
strikes/km²/year 6

4 550-kV ISA transmission line, Colombia

Main problem: lightning frequency,
network stability
Location and climate: high mountains, 2,000
meters above sea level, cold tropical climate
Lightning frequency: high, < 10 lightning
strikes/km²/year

5 245-kV REP transmission line, Peru, 2009

Main problem: high mountains,
lightning frequency
Location and climate: high mountains, tropical
Lightning frequency: high, < 10 lightning
strikes/km2/year

6 123-kV, 245-kV CEMIG transmission lines,
Brazil, 2007, 2008, 2010
Main problem: lightning frequency,
network stability
Location and climate: tropical
Lightning frequency: high to very high,
< 30 lightning strikes/km2/year
12
7 245-kV REN transmission line,
Portugal, 2005
Main problem: electromagnetic
compatibility
Operating conditions: normal
Lightning frequency: low,
< 3 lightning strikes/km2/year
8 123-kV KELAG transmission line
in the high Alps, Austria, 2007
Location: high mountains, up to
2,300 meters above sea level
Operating conditions:
snow nine months/year
Lightning frequency: average,
< 5 lightning strikes/km2/year
Ground resistance: up to 1,200 Ω
 Average number of lightning Up to 70
strikes per km2 per year Up to 30
Up to 10
Up to 4
–0.1 to 1

10 550-kV Sotchi transmission line, RAO UES,

Russia, 2007
Main problem: high mountains, ground wire covered
in ice
Location: high Caucasian mountains, up to 3,000
meters above sea level, long periods of rain and snow
Lightning frequency: high, < 10 lightning strikes/km²/
year

11 170-kV KEPCo transmission line,

10 South Korea, 2008, 2009, 2011
9 First externally gapped line arrester (EGLA) from
11 Siemens, 2008
Main problem: network stability
Location and climate: summer monsoon season,
120 days of rain per year
12 Lightning frequency: average, < 5 lightning strikes/
km²/year

13
12 123-kV and 245-kV transmission lines,
Vietnam, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
14
2010, 2011
15 Main problem: network stability
Location and climate: changeable tropical climate,
typhoons during the rainy season
Lightning frequency: high, < 10 lightning strikes/km2/
year
5

13 123-kV EGLA project EGAT, Thailand, 2010

Main problem: lightning frequency, network stability
Location and climate: tropical-monsoonal, up to 11
humid months per year
Lightning frequency: very high, < 30 lightning strikes/
km²/year

14 36-kV NGLA SESB, Malaysia, 2009

145-kV EGLA SESB, Malaysia, 2010
275-kV NGLA TNB, Malaysia, 2010
Main problem: lightning frequency, network stability
Location and climate: changeable tropical climate,
typhoons during the rainy season
Lightning frequency: very high, < 30 lightning strikes/
km2/year

9 420-kV NEK transmission line in the high 15 72.5-kV and 170-kV projects, Sumatra,
mountains, Bulgaria, 2004 Indonesia, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
Location: high mountains, up to 1,800 meters above sea level Main problem: lightning frequency, network stability
Operating conditions: snow and strong winds, frequent Location and climate: tropical, frequent very heavy
seasonal local thunderstorms rainfall
Lightning frequency: average, < 5 lightning strikes/km2/year Lightning frequency: very high, < 30 lightning strikes/
Ground resistance: up to 1,000 Ω km2/year

13
Monitors for line surge arresters
These monitors can be connected to all arresters presented in this catalog.

ACM Advanced

Condition monitor
Arrester Condition Monitor (ACM) Advanced
Order number: 3EX5080-1 (ACM device)
Order number: 3EX5085 (wireless USB module)
Software CD: included in package

Sensor Display Sensor

Order number: 3EX5060

Display
Order number: 3EX5062

Connecting cable*
Up to 200 meters
Order number: 3EX5963-xx

*Required for operation

Available in different lengths

14
Order number (example) 3 E L 2 120 – 2 L M 3 2 – 4 Z Z 9
Non-gapped line arrester (NGLA) 3 E L
Surge arrester type
3EL1 1
3EL2 2
3EL5 5
Rated voltage in kV 120
– –
Long-duration current, maximum values
550 A (3EL5) 0
750 A (3EL1) 1
1,100 A (3EL2) 2
1,200 A (3EL2) 6
Application
Line surge arrester L 
Housing size M
Line discharge class
LD 2 (3EL5, 3EL1) 2
LD 3 (3EL2) 3
LD 4 (3EL2) 4
Number of units
One unit 1
Two units 2
Three units 3
– –
Form of sheds
Alternating sheds 4
Upper connection
Various (for example: suspension clamp for two-bundle lines, conductor diameter 28 mm) Z
Name plate
Special form for line surge arrester Z
Lower connection
Various (for example: disconnector) 9

Order number (example) 3 E V 1 144 – 0 L K 1 6

Externally gapped line arrester (EGLA) 3 E V
Surge arrester type
3EL1 1
3EL2 2
3EL5 5
Rated voltage of the complete EGLA in kV 144
– –
Resistance type (according to long-duration current, maximum values)
550 A (3EL5) 0
750 A (3EL1) 1
1,100 A (3EL2) 2
1,200 A (3EL2) 6
Application
Line surge arrester L 
Housing size K
Thermal energy absorption capability (in terms of line discharge class)
LD 1 (3EV5) 1
LD 2 (3EV5, 3EV1) 2
LD 3 (3EV2) 3
LD 4 (3EV2) 4
Number of active part units
One unit, spark gap on end of active part 1
Two units, spark gap on end of active part 2
Three units, spark gap on end of active part 3
Four units, spark gap on end of active part 4
Two units, spark gap between the two active part units 6
Four units, spark gap between the active parts 8
Special design 9

15
Published by and copyright © 2012:
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Freyeslebenstrasse 1
91058 Erlangen, Germany
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Power Transmission Division
High Voltage Products
Nonnendammallee 104
13629 Berlin, Germany
www.siemens.com/energy/arrester
Please contact us at:
Phone: +49 30 386 33 222
Fax: +49 30 386 26 721
E-mail: arrester.energy@siemens.com
US Location
Siemens Energy, Inc.
Power Transmission Division
444 Highway 49 South
Richland, MS 39218
www.siemens.com/energy/arrester
Please contact us at:
Toll-free: +1 (877) 742-3309
Phone: +1 (601) 932-9800
Power Transmission Division
Order No. E50001-G630-A203-X-4A00
Printed in Germany
Dispo 30002, c4bs No. 7457
fb 2970 WÜ 472600 WS 01123.0

Printed on elementary chlorine-free

bleached paper.

All rights reserved.

Trademarks mentioned in this document
are the property of Siemens AG, its affiliates,
or their respective owners.

Subject to change without prior notice.

The information in this document contains
general descriptions of the technical options
available, which may not apply in all cases.
The required technical options should therefore
be specified in the contract.